Over-Ear
Focal Utopia
81Outstanding
$5,000
Full review dataFocal Utopia vs STAX SR-009S: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Focal Utopia - Outstanding overall at around $4999.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
67Good
$3,290
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Utopia leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Focal Utopia
- STAX SR-009S
HearWiki score
81
67
Sound
9.7
9.2
Value
5.8
4.3
Price (USD)
$5,000
$3,290
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Focal Utopia is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Utopia20224 yr newer
- SR-009S2018
Specifications
UtopiaSR-009S
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $5,000
- $3,290
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 67
- Released
- 2022
- 2018
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 23 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 80 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 101 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 490 g
- 441 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- No
- -
What reviewers said
Focal Utopia
The Focal Utopia is a premium open-back wired headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking reference-grade neutrality. Its 40mm beryllium driver delivers exceptional detail, low distortion, and a finely tuned high-frequency response, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. While its performance is class-leading, the steep price positions it as a luxury investment rather than a practical everyday option.
- Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
- Pro:Very low distortion with a neutral, accurate sound signature
- Pro:Premium build quality and detachable cable design
- Con:Extremely high price point
- Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
- Con:Heavy weight (490g) may be tiring during long sessions
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that delivers exceptional transparency, speed, and detail, making it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its refined, slightly warmer tuning than the original SR-009, combined with a spacious soundstage and precise imaging, offers a highly immersive experience, though it demands high-quality source material and dedicated amplification. It stands among the best in its class, with only a few newer models potentially edging it out.
- Pro:Exceptional detail resolution and speed
- Pro:Wide, open soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit with large earcups
- Con:Very revealing, unforgiving of poor recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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